My plan now is to build a better house while I keep farming. I have a friend with a generator, and I will borrow it to help me plant watermelons, which can bring us a lot of money when I harvest them. Once my son finishes school, we’ll focus even more on farming to support our family. I also bought iron sheets to build a shop, but I haven’t finished it yet. Completing that shop is part of my goal to improve the lives of my five children. Together with my husband, who works as a tractor rider, we will combine our efforts to create a better future for our family.

The way GiveDirectly communicates with people is truly commendable. They talk to us patiently, kindly, and respectfully, showing genuine care for our needs. Their focus on their work and the advice they provide are both accurate and helpful, making us feel valued and appreciated. It’s clear that they approach their mission with a heartfelt desire to support our community without any negativity. I personally did not encounter any issues during the process, and I was very happy with the support. Everyone in my village received money, which has made a significant difference in our lives. However, I noticed that some people were left out and not enrolled, and I hope that future efforts will consider those individuals as well. Overall, the positive impact of GiveDirectly on our community is undeniable.

When I received my unconditional cash transfer, it felt like a new beginning for my family. With the funds in hand, I carefully planned how to use the money to make the biggest impact. I decided to invest in livestock by purchasing four sheep for $205, which would help provide for my children, especially when it came to covering school fees. I also allocated $80 to my maize harvest, ensuring we had enough food to sustain us. When I harvested the maize, I was able to collect 25 bags, which was enough to feed our family and also helped pay for my children's school fees. Before this transfer, I often had to borrow money to harvest maize. Additionally, I went to town to buy five chickens for $20. These chickens will supply us with fresh eggs, but I can also sell them to get additional income when necessary. I also used part of the funds to buy a new sofa set for $50, replacing our old, worn-out furniture. My children had been eagerly waiting for new clothes since I had promised them that when I received the second transfer, I would buy them new clothes. I set aside another $50 for that. Seeing their excitement brought me immense joy and fulfillment.Finally, I purchased cement for $10 to repair the cracks in our house. With the remaining money, I stocked up on food for our family. I used to rely on charcoal burning and selling vegetables to get by. Now, I feel a sense of stability and hope for the future, knowing that these investments will support my family and provide a better life for us all.

I was on a farm with two other ladies, doing casual work to earn a living for my family. My children had been sent back home three days earlier to collect school fees because they had some arrears that needed to be cleared. I was therefore on the farm, struggling to find the money to help them go back to school because seeing them at home was causing me great pain. As I was working on the farm and thinking about my children, I heard a notification on my phone. I checked it and couldn't believe my eyes. I had received my transfers from GiveDirectly, and I was overjoyed as I knew this was a life-changing moment. I had to sit down, check again, and even confirm one last time to make sure that what I was seeing was real. The two ladies who were working with me were wondering what was happening, and I explained to them the good news. A few minutes later, they also received their notifications, and we were all happy and celebrating. The first thing that came to mind was paying school fees for my children. I am deeply grateful for the support.

Seeing my two sons at home for three days because I couldn't afford their school fees devastated me. I only had $2 in my Mpesa, while their total fee was $80. Receiving money from GiveDirectly relieved my stress. I paid $50 of their fee, with $30 remaining. Now, they are back in school because of GiveDirectly. Thank you.

I have two school-going children who had accumulated school fee arrears. Upon receiving the transfers, I decided to use $25 of the funds to reduce this debt, ensuring that my children could continue their studies without interruption. In addition to addressing my children's education, I also wanted to improve the appearance of my home. I have a beautifully plastered house with a lovely interior, but the old sofa I had been using for many years was worn out and no longer matched the aesthetic. I therefore spent $50 to purchase a new sofa, and I am delighted that my home now looks even more amazing. Furthermore, I had some unfinished windows in my house, and to complete the look and enhance the overall appearance of my house, I spent another $34 to buy window panes, which have now transformed the appearance of my home. I am excited with how my house looks now, and I thank GiveDirectly for making this possible. Finally, providing for my family's basic needs has been a constant challenge, as I rely on casual jobs, which can be seasonal and inconsistent. With six children and one grandchild to care for and my husband's limited income as a caretaker in someone's home, food security has been a significant concern. I used the remaining $54 of the transfers to purchase food, ensuring that my family did not go hungry during these difficult times.